Bus Éireann announces improved services and timetables
21 new jobs created
1.1 million more kilometres
Bus Éireann, Ireland’s national bus company, is pleased to announce significantly enhanced services and timetables which come into effect today, Sunday 22 November 2020. In conjunction with the National Transport Authority (NTA), Bus Éireann will offer customers improved services across the country in counties Galway, Kerry, Louth and Mayo. The new jobs are based at Ballina, Dundalk and Tralee.
The route upgrades were identified by the NTA and will include enhanced frequency in weekday and Saturday timetables, improved morning and evening peak services, new Sunday timetables as well as introducing new locations / towns such as year-round service between Clifden and Westport. The funding was made available through the Government’s July stimulus plan which will lead to the creation of more than 110 new jobs in public transport.
Minister for Transport Eamon Ryan TD said: “I am pleased to welcome the first round of enhanced and expanded Bus Éireann services funded under the July stimulus plan. We need to continue to improve and expand public transport across the country to enable people make the switch and I look forward to seeing the continuation of these types of route upgrades.”
Minister of State Hildegarde Naughton TD said: “I welcome these new improved bus services by Bus Éireann. These improved services will play an important role in enhancing rural connectivity in the counties of Galway, Mayo, Louth and Kerry while also supporting local job creation.”
National Transport Authority CEO Anne Graham said: “The enhancement of these Bus Eireann services will come as good news for communities in Kerry, Galway, Mayo and Louth. We have worked closely with Bus Eireann to identify areas where improved service levels could make a real and immediate difference. We hope to announce the rollout of enhancements on further routes in the coming weeks.”
“We are delighted to announce the introduction of these enhanced timetables and services today,” said Stephen Kent, Chief Executive Officer, Bus Éireann. “Thanks to the National Transport Authority, we can expand these important services, adding 1.1 million kilometres for our customers while creating 21 new driver jobs. We will continue to work together with the NTA to increase connectivity across the country for local communities, keeping Ireland connected.”
Routes included within the service enhancements introduced today are:
Route 168, Dundalk / Drogheda
Route 275, Tralee / Dingle
Route 423, Westport / Clifden
Route 446, Blacksod / Belmullet / Ballina
Route 450, Achill Island / Westport / Louisburgh
Updated service details and timetables are available at buseireann.ie
Bus Éireann and Expressway services continue to operate at a capacity of 25% under Level 5 restrictions and Government advice is that public transport should be avoided unless the travel is essential. Bus Éireann fully adheres to all public health guidelines and is committed to ensuring the continued safety and well-being of its employees and customers observing many precautionary measures including the mandatory wearing of face coverings, overnight deep cleaning, touchpoint cleaning throughout the day and protective screens and personal protective equipment for drivers.
Bus Éireann encourages customers to use Leap Cards, Automatic Ticket Machines and online ticket purchase to minimise the use of cash. Tickets can be purchased at www.buseireann.ie
Sunday, 22nd November, 2020